Description

An invitational architecture competition was arranged in 2004 in the campus of Helsinki University of Technology in Espoo, Finland. The campus is originally designed by architect Alvar Aalto.

The goal was to find a solution for student housing in a narrow plot that was essential for the townscape in Otaniemi campus. The plot is located in the crossroads in the northeastern edge of the garden-like campus, near a town square. The property is nearly entirely built of red bick, and thus, it was a self-evident material also for the new residential building.

Why brick?

The campus, designed by architect Alvar Aalto, is nearly entirely built of red bick, and thus, it was a self-evident material also for the new residential building.

Exterior

The building consists of three three-floor volumes: two of them are apartments along an aisle and the third one is a flabelliform part that is originally designed as office spaces. The project was built in two phases. First, the two housing volumes along the Otakaari road were accomplished, and later, the curvy part was realised. However, after the competition, the office volume was modified to fill the increased need of student apartments.

The apartments include studios, shared flats for two students and rooms for bigger groups, as well as shared spaces. In all, there are 114 apartments in the building. The outside shared spaces are placed in the hillside of the inner court yard.

Drawings

Extra Info

Date of commision:	2004-2005 Competition and first phase 2014 second phase
Surface area:	6700 br-m2
Client:	AYY, Aalto University Student Union
Project team:	Competition and first phase: Esko Kahri, Juhani Väisänen, Emma Kämäräinen; second phase: Juhani Väisänen, Juha Kämäräinen
Structural engineering:	Finnmap Consulting Oy
HVAC engineering:	Insinööritoimisto Reijo Patronen Oy
Electrical engineering:	Insinööritoimisto Timo Väänänen Ky